Thirty Years of the Ryan Centre – Reopening Following Refurb

The Ryan Centre Pool will reopen on Saturday 16 December after extensive capital works to the plant areas and changing village. To allow the upgrading works, all pool activities moved temporarily to Stranraer Academy at the start of May. The plant equipment has been widely upgraded with a full replacement of the main boiler system, with extensive upgrades to much of the other plant infrastructure. The addition of a UV filter system to improve water quality will also reduce the amount of chemicals needed to run the pool, making it a more environmentally friendly way to operate.

The changing area has been completely refurbished. The replacement of the underfloor heating and flooring in the main changing village should offer a warmer changing area for customers. The showers, cubicles and lockers have all been upgraded as has the toilet areas, which will positively impact the experience of all our customers and visitors. The spa area of the health suite has also been refurbished with the area surrounding the bath being renewed.

The reopening coincides with the 30-year anniversary of the pool opening in December 1993. To mark this impressive landmark, the facility has organised a weeklong series of water-based activities ranging from baby session, adult water safety sessions, aquafit, and splashdown for to aged 8 – 11. With the anniversary, four members of staff also achieve 30 years of service in the facility. Peter Ferries, David Sprott, Marny McCormick and Beverley Mercer were all members of the original lifeguarding team at the facility.

Chair of Communities Committee, Councillor Ian Blake said: “I am delighted that the Ryan Centre has benefitted from this extensive refurbishment programme. It has been a well-used and well-loved facility in the community for the last 30 years, and this investment will secure this resource for years to come.”

Councillor Jackie McCamon, Vice Chair of Communities Committee said: “I am pleased with the investment in this facility in Stranraer. Further to that, thirty years serving the community is quite an achievement and I would like to offer my thanks and congratulations to the staff who have been there from the start. The dedication that has been shown is really appreciated by the council, your colleagues, and those who use the facility.”

For more details on the events, contact the Ryan Centre: 01776 703535 or email ryan.centre@dumgal.gov.uk